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All Forum Posts by: Zeke Liston

Zeke Liston has started 2 posts and replied 1544 times.

Post: Renovations in Columbus OH

Zeke Liston
Posted
  • Real Estate Agent
  • Columbus, OH
  • Posts 1,622
  • Votes 1,498
Quote from @Gil Levi:

Hi, Everyone!

We are looking for recommendations for a reliable GC in the Columbus, OH area. We looking for someone who`s Investor friendly, and can deal with a project from A to Z, and can go and estimate the cost of repairs for properties that we may be purchasing.

Your recommendation is greatly appreciated!


 Hi Gil, Tyler Hay (Ohio Renovation Solutions) is a good contractor that I've personally used and have had clients use as well. I'm not sure if I'm allowed to share his info here, but I am happy to share it privately.  

Post: Investing in Ohio-Specifically Section 8

Zeke Liston
Posted
  • Real Estate Agent
  • Columbus, OH
  • Posts 1,622
  • Votes 1,498
Quote from @Nicholas Nakamura:

Hello everyone!

New here to the forum and I am currently looking to invest in Ohio for the purpose of providing section 8 housing.  I have about 1

$110K to invest, and I am looking to invest in the next few months.  Any and all guidance is greatly appreciated.  Thank you!  Looking forward to the journey ahead....


In my experience, very few properties in Ohio are strictly required to operate as Section 8 rentals. That said, I’ve found that properties in C-class neighborhoods tend to perform best with Section 8 tenants. This is largely because I can typically get higher rents in B and A-class neighborhoods without relying on Section 8.

I’d recommend focusing your search on C and C+ neighborhoods, for both multi-family and single-family homes with more than three bedrooms. Three bedroom units can yield up to $1,568 per month through CMHA (Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority). 

Post: Columbus OH Property Management Referrals

Zeke Liston
Posted
  • Real Estate Agent
  • Columbus, OH
  • Posts 1,622
  • Votes 1,498
Quote from @Lolo Druff:

I've heard horror stories about awful property management companies and am looking for a REFERRAL for a trusted source from an investor. Please let me know who you have worked with and why you like them (How many properties do they manage for you, how long have you worked with them, what you like about them etc.)

When the unit is vacant, do they cover the cost for professional photography to rent it out again, or is that an additional fee?


Hey Lolo,There are definitely some less-than-stellar property managers here in Columbus. I self-manage, but I understand that's not a practical option for most people. From my experience, here are a few property management companies that my clients have worked with:

  • ERA Solutions: They have a strong presence in C-class neighborhoods.
  • Realize Property Management: Better suited for A and B-class neighborhoods, though they do manage some C-class properties.
  • Ohio Elite Management: Primarily focuses on B and C-class neighborhoods.
Every PM I've met has at least several bad reviews, but I'm hoping this helps. 

Most property managers will take their own photos for leasing. If you want professional-grade photos, you’ll likely need to cover that cost yourself—which I think is well worth it. 

Post: Need DSCR Loan's in OHIO with min 550+ fico

Zeke Liston
Posted
  • Real Estate Agent
  • Columbus, OH
  • Posts 1,622
  • Votes 1,498
Quote from @Alexa Aimer:

Sold off my portfolio in Jamestown, NY about 2 years ago. Rebuilding - challenged credit at the moment.

Looking to purchase a new rental property in Ohio (Dayton? Akron?) every month. 

I need a lender with lenient loan minimums and willing to work with challenged credit.


 As mentioned above, I would try to find a loan partner with a higher credit score, as you'll get a much better rate and, therefore, better returns. You could use the interest savings to pay someone for their credit score. 

Post: What to look for when buying a fixer upper in Ohio?

Zeke Liston
Posted
  • Real Estate Agent
  • Columbus, OH
  • Posts 1,622
  • Votes 1,498
Quote from @Rehaan Khan:

I'm looking to buy a fixer upper in Ohio but there are so many properties for sale there. What are some tips on what type of property to acquire and renovate that is likely to sell faster?


Invest in the right neighborhood and city. You'll want to get connected with a local expert who can guide you to the right area.

Post: Hello Looking to break into RE

Zeke Liston
Posted
  • Real Estate Agent
  • Columbus, OH
  • Posts 1,622
  • Votes 1,498
Quote from @Paul Pompeo:

I have 20 plus years experience in sales. I am tired of starting all over ever year without building any equity. Looking to break into the local market with Multifamily homes. In addition need to do it part time. I really only have nights and Sundays to work it. Also in this day an age I am thinking this can be done remotely buying and holding property in other states. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated. 


 You can totally invest remotely. Have you considered the Columbus, OH market? 

Post: New Investor: Cleveland vs. Columbus

Zeke Liston
Posted
  • Real Estate Agent
  • Columbus, OH
  • Posts 1,622
  • Votes 1,498
Quote from @Shaylynn O'Leary:

Hi everyone,  I'm a new investor looking to purchase my first investment here in the next few months. As an OOS investor, I've narrowed my  potential market down to either Cleveland or Columbus, Ohio. My strategy is to have a portfolio with a mix of LTR/MTR-  single family or small multi.  What market would you choose for someone starting out and why?  Thanks for your help and advice.


 Hi Shaylynn, that's great. Columbus will have slightly higher appreciation and lower cash flow, whereas Cleveland will have slightly higher cashflow and lower appreciation. I personally invest in both markets myself. 

Post: Starting out, interested in multi family

Zeke Liston
Posted
  • Real Estate Agent
  • Columbus, OH
  • Posts 1,622
  • Votes 1,498
Quote from @Shaheen Ahmed:

Hi All,

I am interested in multi family (2-4 units), If you have 200k to invest, what market and why would you invest?\

Thanks,


 I would put that money into a market in the midwest. I personally have had great experiences in Cleveland and Columbus. 

Post: New Investor. Learning. Seeking guidance

Zeke Liston
Posted
  • Real Estate Agent
  • Columbus, OH
  • Posts 1,622
  • Votes 1,498
Quote from @Jonice Arline:

Hello everyone. I'm excited to join the BiggerPockets family. I have my LLC (with my business partner) and we are looking to invest in properties to rent to Section 8. Any information/advice is appreciated and also how to properly set up our company, how to eventually scale our portfolio and looking to learn more about funding and DSCR loan. I listen to the Bigger podcast. I'm currently reading The Millionaire Real Estate Investor, and have the following books to read: The Book on Rental Property Investing by Brandon Turner and Section 8 Bible.


 Welcome to BP, Jonice. Keep reading and listening, you'll learn a lot. I'd also connect with some local experts in the area that you want to invest. 

Post: Under 20% downpayment dscr

Zeke Liston
Posted
  • Real Estate Agent
  • Columbus, OH
  • Posts 1,622
  • Votes 1,498
Quote from @Imdad Rahman:

Hello. I am looking to purchase more properties in Ohio and was looking for lenders that do dscr loans with less than 20% downpayment. Also on loans amounts less than $75,000. Is there lenders that do this?


I've got a lender who will go as low as 15% down but this is conventional, not DSCR.